First off I inherited the horse, so go easy on me for having a horse and no clue ....:lol:

I have inherited a 15 yo gelding halflinger mix... his hooves look like dinner plates (farrier coming on Friday).... he seems overweight but he is part halflinger....

He is sharing a pasture with a mini donkey stallion and they seem to have been long lost friends... they go everywhere together...

I have had him two days in my pasture after being allowed to roam in a cow pasture with no riding, no grooming (occasional mane and tail trim when full of burrs).

I really want to do well by him and his seems very well mannered (had to walk him two miles from a family members farm to my own.

I just retired out of the military and haven't been able to do any horse care training, nothing in 25 years.....

Please be gentle and help not hinder me.... I really am going to try and do well by my boys (horse and mini donkey)

Would you put goats in with the horse and donkey??

Thank you for any help and advice you may give.:-P

mbender

05-23-2011 10:33 AM

Why not? Just be careful of the initial encounter. Try and see if you can get some weight off the halfie. Do you have any pictures of the halfie?

Do a lot of research on the computer on horse care. The more you know the better off you will be. Posted via Mobile Device

tsaleska

05-23-2011 11:29 AM

Flash 2.0

1 Attachment(s)

Here is my boy Flash

flytobecat

05-23-2011 11:40 AM

Aww, he's a cutie. He almost looks like a Belgian cross.
Like Mbender said research. In addition to that, I would add
find a good vet
find experienced horse people & ask questions
get involved with your local horse community
put together a horsey 1st aid kit (there are a couple threads on here that talk about that)

mbender

05-23-2011 11:49 AM

He's very adorable. I would try and have him loose a little if it were me. Do you have any plans for him or just a pet?Posted via Mobile Device

tsaleska

05-23-2011 12:38 PM

Thanks

I think he is beautiful.... I plan on riding him... not hooking him up to wagons or such... I hope that is what you were asking.... Other than riding and feeding him a good "Senior" diet... I hope I can get him to loose some weight... :D

Alwaysbehind

05-23-2011 12:49 PM

How big is your turn out? You might not need to feed him any grain.

I totally agree on finding a vet. I would have the vet out for a initial physical, etc just so you have a vet if an emergency comes up.
It will be worth the price of the exam if you are dealing with an issue in the middle of the night.

You could have your mini-donk gelded at the same time.

SAsamone

05-23-2011 12:57 PM

Ask your feed store who they recommend for a farrier and vet. They usually hear all the "gossip" about who is good and who isn't.

Also, talk with your vet about what to feed him. He is a little over, and as mentioned, may not need grain, just good hay and pasture. Also, have you had experience caring for horses before? When I first started, things like protien, fiber and fat content went right over my head. You should learn about that.

Other than that, I would bond with him by feeding him and grooming him, and even taking him for walks outside of his paddock, before you start to think about riding him.

mbender

05-23-2011 01:43 PM

Yeah I don't think he really needs grain. I think it would be a waste of money. He seems to be a good keeper. Maybe too good lol! Have fun with him.Posted via Mobile Device

tsaleska

05-23-2011 01:45 PM

I have a 2 acre pasture with a corral in the middle I will take a pic. I have found a farrier that has been recommended by 3 different people, so we will see how that goes the guy will have his hands full that's for sure since the hooves haven't been trimmed in years.... I haven't tried riding Flash yet, I have just spent time talking and grooming so far.... the only problem I have had was when I went out this morning to "gab" with the boys, the mini donkey bit the crap out of me.. this is unusual and I am hoping that it is a one time thing... I leaned over and bit his ear since that is what I was told to do when an equine bites (not sure if it was right or wrong) any advice..... dang that hurt..... I really do appreciate people answering my post good info...